Likely African Scops-Owl; identification is tentative from one feather.

A small, finely barred feather likely from a nocturnal African owl. African Scops-Owls are compact, mottled birds with ear tufts, active after dark and known for repeated, whistled calls.

Buff to pale brown with repeated dark brown transverse bars and a darker rounded tip; typical of cryptic owl plumage. Surface-side differences are not clear.

Compact pennaceous vanes with intact-looking barbs; fine owl-edge fringes cannot be confirmed at this image resolution.

Thin pale rachis, with dark bars crossing both vanes; barb density appears even.

Matte, soft-looking surface with a close, coherent vane; no obvious gloss.

Possibly wing; barred pattern and narrow shape suggest a flight feather, but the image does not establish placement.

Small size, buff ground color, regular dark cross-bars, and rounded tip; these traits are suggestive, not species-diagnostic.

African Scops-Owls use savanna, open woodland, scrub, and wooded gardens, often roosting in dense foliage.

Sub-Saharan Africa, including Tanzania; generally resident, with local movements possible.

A nocturnal insect-eating predator in savanna and woodland food webs. The species depends on suitable roosting and nesting cover; this single feather cannot indicate population status.

Other African owls and barred woodland birds can have similar small brown feathers; reliable separation usually requires the full feather set, measurements, and comparison references.

Scops-owls often rely on stillness and bark-like camouflage by day; their calls can be repeated at long intervals through the night.

No species-specific use can be inferred. In general, wildlife feathers should not be collected or traded without checking local laws and park rules.

Record exact length, both sides, and close-ups of the tip and base, then compare with a regional feather guide; avoid collecting specimens in protected areas unless authorized.

Appears largely intact with no obvious major breaks or staining; condition: good. Age and molt status cannot be judged reliably.

10cm, Tanzania Ruaha National park